If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Based from this list: travelblog.viator.com/top-50-travel-destinations/
You can select up to five (5) options.
Here is a description for each option:
------Traditional Travel Destinations------
Barossa Valley, Austrailia:
South Australia always shines, but the Barossa Valley is beaming. One of Australia’s oldest food and wine regions, the Barossa is criss-cut with more than 150 wineries. Some, like the heritage vines at Penfolds and Henschke, have been fruiting since the late 1800s. But Barossa is not all about history; the region also bursts with new butcheries, bakeries, breweries, cideries, creameries, and cooking schools such as Mark McNamara’s latest Food Luddite Kitchen. Travelers can ramble between standbys like Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and recently opened accommodations ranging from the Ikara Safari tents in the Flinders Mountains to the gorgeous Japanese villas attached to the Sticky Rice Cooking School in the Adelaide Hills. Be sure to save time for Adelaide, too. The bounty of Barossa will fill your plate; a bourgeoning small bar scene fuels the night; and the Minima Art Hotel has 46 rooms, each transformed by a different South Australian artist. - Serena Renner
Vienna and Salzburg, Austria
(Image credit: www.tonedeaf.com.au/318863/vienna-austria.htm)
Sophisticated Vienna, with its Baroque palaces and matchless art museums, is a city to adore at any time, but 2015 brings a series of exhibitions and celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the building of the Ringstrasse. This most elegant of boulevards surrounds the inner city and was the brainchild of the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph. Opened on May 1, 1865, it replaced the city’s former fortifications with grand palaces, the Vienna State Opera, the city hall, theaters, museums and art galleries in what was surely the grandest town-planning project of the time. Also happening in 2015, the 450th anniversary of the Spanish Riding School will see spectacular dressage performances in June in the Baroque manège. Salzburg also shares the Austrian spotlight in 2015, with the Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Celebration kicking off on Monday June 22. Events include special screenings of The Sound of Music as well as visits to city locations associated with the film. The festival culminates on Friday June 26 with a concert at the Mozarteum Salzburg, where much-loved tunes from the movie will get an airing. - Sasha Heseltine
New York, New York
(Image credit: www.bluff.com/news/online-poker-in-new-york-negreanu-enjoys-twerking-hellmuth-swapping-wives-61484/)
No description necessary.
Charleston, South Carolina:
(Image credit: www.bluff.com/news/online-poker-in-new-york-negreanu-enjoys-twerking-hellmuth-swapping-wives-61484/)
No description necessary.
Charleston, South Carolina:
With its hospitable, well-mannered locals, classic architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets, Charleston oozes relaxed Southern charm in a way that hasn’t changed for more than a century. Modern day Charleston is a food-centric city, having been voted one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Best American Cities for Foodies. A number of new, world-class eateries have opened recently including Xiao Bao Biscuit which offers “Asian Soul Food” and The Ordinary, a gourmet oyster hall where the shucking takes place inside a vintage bank vault. In 2015, the city will host BB&T Charleston Wine + Food and the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, both featuring a wealth of local dishes. Historians will appreciate the myriad events taking place in 2015 throughout Charleston to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Through the end of the year, visitors can experience Civil War art gallery shows, traditional battle reenactments, lectures, educational tours, and a host of other special events. - Mike Richard
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Forget five star luxuries and discover Jasper’s 5-billion-star scenery. Set beneath the rugged Canadian Rocky Mountains, Jasper National Park is an UNESCO world heritage site known for its stunning landscapes. It’s also one of the planet’s largest Dark Sky Preserves, which means its limited light pollution footprint allows for unparalleled stargazing and the annual Dark Sky Festival takes place in October. The incredible wilderness setting makes for abundant wildlife throughout Jasper National Park, too, and elk, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goats, and Black bears are all commonly spotted along the highways; however, to spot an elusive, and sadly at-risk, Caribou you’ll have to hit either the Skyline or Tonquin Valley trails, two multi-day treks that access the remotest corners of parks. Visitors step beyond nature’s edge at the Glacier Skywalk, which is the newest attraction in Jasper National Park. After an interpretive walk along a cliff-side path, step out onto the Glacier Skywalk and discover new vistas from the 918-foot-tall, glass-floored archway. It’s just minutes away from the Columbia Icefield Centre, where it’s possible to board a Glacier Explorer Bus to travel atop the Athabasca Glacier. - Jeff Bartlett
Inverness, Scotland
Scotland hit the headlines in 2014 thanks to its much-publicized bid for independence, but although it’s officially remaining part of the UK, it’s fair to say that Scots have a newfound love for their home country and 2015 is all about celebrating its individuality. Discover Scotland’s impressive natural heritage by hiking through the Highlands, climbing the UK’s tallest mountain or cruising along Loch Ness; tuck into delicious Scottish salmon or traditional haggis in celebration of the 2015 Year of Food and Drink; or attend the biggest event of the contemporary art scene at Glasgow’s Tramway gallery – the prestigious Turner Prize, presented in Scotland for the first-time ever. Fans of Scotland-based hit TV series Outlander will also be in for a treat in 2015 – as the hotly-anticipated second season hits screens, you’ll be able to travel back to 18th-century Scotland on a tour of Outlander filming locations. - Zoe Smith
Jiuzhaigou Valley, China
(Image credit: www.placestoseeinyourlifetime.com/picturesque-landscape-in-jiuzhaigou-valley-china-1035/)
Located in Sichuan province, the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, or Jiuzhaigou Valley, should be on your travel radar for its picturesque beauty of lush forests, impressive waterfalls and glistening lakes. As China endeavors toward cutting its carbon emissions by 2020, however, Jiuzhaigou is also blazing the trail for biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness in China by advocating eco-tourism. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the area is home to many endangered plant and animal species, including the beloved Giant Panda. Environmentally friendly hotels are dotted throughout, and a ‘green’ tourist bus will drop you off at boardwalks to explore on foot where traffic cannot reach. To delve further into the alpine surroundings (and away from the crowds), Zharu Valley, in particular, is the designated eco-tourism zone within the national park. Visitors are restricted in number with access only via guided treks to the tranquil surroundings and furthermore, into one of the nine Tibetan villages that occupy the region. With China’s carbon reduction efforts in full effect and Jiuzhaigou first in line to support a greener future, the area can confidently look forward to welcoming many more generations of visitors to come. - Emily Chu
(Image credit: www.placestoseeinyourlifetime.com/picturesque-landscape-in-jiuzhaigou-valley-china-1035/)
Located in Sichuan province, the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve, or Jiuzhaigou Valley, should be on your travel radar for its picturesque beauty of lush forests, impressive waterfalls and glistening lakes. As China endeavors toward cutting its carbon emissions by 2020, however, Jiuzhaigou is also blazing the trail for biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness in China by advocating eco-tourism. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1992 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1997, the area is home to many endangered plant and animal species, including the beloved Giant Panda. Environmentally friendly hotels are dotted throughout, and a ‘green’ tourist bus will drop you off at boardwalks to explore on foot where traffic cannot reach. To delve further into the alpine surroundings (and away from the crowds), Zharu Valley, in particular, is the designated eco-tourism zone within the national park. Visitors are restricted in number with access only via guided treks to the tranquil surroundings and furthermore, into one of the nine Tibetan villages that occupy the region. With China’s carbon reduction efforts in full effect and Jiuzhaigou first in line to support a greener future, the area can confidently look forward to welcoming many more generations of visitors to come. - Emily Chu
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(Image credit: www.wexas.com/canada-holidays/offer/ontario-self-drive-holiday-1339.html)
The Canadian metropolis on Lake Ontario is having a moment. A recent building boom – at one time there were more construction cranes in the city than in the rest of North America combined – has resulted in making Toronto much more vibrant and dynamic. New hotels, such as the new flagship location of the Four Seasons, and the 45-floor, 567-guest-room Delta South Core, have freed up some room space for a city that was suddenly lagging in hotel rooms – testament to this city’s popularity. There is also a burgeoning restaurant scene, as acclaimed chef David Chang opened up an outpost of his Momofuku franchise in the Shangri La Hotel and French chef Daniel Boulud fired up the burners on his first north-of-the-border endeavor in the Four Seasons. And if there’s one time of year you might want to touchdown in Toronto, go in mid-July when the Pan Am and Parapan Am games hit the city. Athletes from Buenos Aires to New Brunswick will be competing against one another, filling the city with an international spirit of fun and games. - David Farley
Milan, Italy
Milan isn’t an uncommon stop on many Italy itineraries, but it’s usually just an entry or exit point thanks to the city’s major international airport. Dig a little deeper in this northern Italian city, however, and you may find some reasons to stop and stay awhile. Of course there’s the many-spired Duomo (you can climb to the top and walk on the roof), and one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous pieces of art, “The Last Supper” fresco in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. But some of the reasons to visit Milan are fleeting, only available for a short period of time. In 2015, one of those reasons is Expo 2015 (the latest iteration of the World’s Fair, which is held every five years), to be held in Milan from May through October. The massive event is called “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” and sub-themes include such things as food safety, food scarcity, and food as it relates to culture. It will be an opportunity to see how different countries plan to address these issues, while sampling some possibly futuristic foods. Milan Expo 2015 will be in a purpose-built fair grounds in the nearby Rho district, easily accessible via public transportation. - Jessica Spiegel
Milan isn’t an uncommon stop on many Italy itineraries, but it’s usually just an entry or exit point thanks to the city’s major international airport. Dig a little deeper in this northern Italian city, however, and you may find some reasons to stop and stay awhile. Of course there’s the many-spired Duomo (you can climb to the top and walk on the roof), and one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous pieces of art, “The Last Supper” fresco in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. But some of the reasons to visit Milan are fleeting, only available for a short period of time. In 2015, one of those reasons is Expo 2015 (the latest iteration of the World’s Fair, which is held every five years), to be held in Milan from May through October. The massive event is called “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” and sub-themes include such things as food safety, food scarcity, and food as it relates to culture. It will be an opportunity to see how different countries plan to address these issues, while sampling some possibly futuristic foods. Milan Expo 2015 will be in a purpose-built fair grounds in the nearby Rho district, easily accessible via public transportation. - Jessica Spiegel
As one of the world’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan and fashion-forward capital cities, London has always been top of the itinerary for travelers to Europe and there’s plenty going on in the upcoming year all around England. Start with a visit to the legendary Stonehenge, where archeologists have recently uncovered 17 previously unknown monuments around the landmark, then head to Oxford where Lewis Carroll’s former university city will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland with a series of special events, exhibitions, concerts and performances. Back in London, the British Library will be hosting a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta and the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals will be held at Twickenham Stadium. - Zoe Smith
Hong Kong
Regarded as the gateway between East and West, Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It offers local culture, world-class cuisine, and a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes worth exploring. Getting to Hong Kong will be even easier – and cheaper – from some destinations within Asia. Hong Kong’s low-cost carrier, HK Express, is slated to increase flights, including additional service on the newly launched Tokyo (Narita) – HKG route. Hong Kong’s culinary scene continues to be a trendsetter, with bars like Quinary earning a spot on Drinks International World’s 50 Best Bars, and the number of three Michelin-starred restaurants rising from four to five in 2014. This year, take in the views of Hong Kong from a new location. In December, Hong Kong welcomed the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Located near the Star Ferry pier on Hong Kong Island, this Ferris wheel offers some pretty spectacular views on the 20-minute ride. If you’re a Disney fan, 2015 is the year to visit Hong Kong Disneyland – September 12th marks the park’s 10th anniversary. Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to debut a new Disney Princess attraction maze and/or meet-and-greet area in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration. - Erin DeSantiago
Kerala, India
(Image credit: tourist-attraction-indiaa.blogspot.com/2013/04/incredible-tourist-place-in-kerala.html)
Celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and year-round pleasant weather, heavenly Kerala is worlds apart from the hustle and intensity common to more heavily touristy parts of India. This southern state is characterized by lush expanses of jungle, gorgeous stretches of cliff-lined shores, and a large network of peaceful lagoons that connect many of Kerala’s most charming towns. It’s also India’s prime spot for traditional Ayurvedic massages and health treatments, and Kerala’s variety of activities—which range from backwater cruises to traditional Kathakali dance performances to elephant festivals—make it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. It’s also an ideal spot for solo female travelers, and has the country’s highest female literacy rate. Best of all, India recently introduced tourist visas on arrival for citizens of over 40 countries, making it easier than ever to plan a visit. - Margot Bigg
Osaka, Japan
Japanese cuisine has finally been getting the attention it deserves. UNESCO has recently added Japanese cuisine to its cultural heritage list for things in the world that are precious enough they need protecting. And Michelin, that veritable, star-stamping restaurant guidebook, has bestowed enough stars on Japan to make it a culinary universe. In total, the country has 28 three-starred restaurants – that’s the most in the world (one more than France, in fact). And nowhere is Japanese cuisine more renowned than in the eating-focused city of Osaka. The recent Michelin guide granted the eastern Japanese metropolis a star to a whopping 76 restaurants – the most one-starred eateries in the guidebook. The city invented the type of restaurant called kappo – a diminutive spot with stools and a long counter bar with the chef cooking before everyone – which the culinary world has since adopted, from Atera in New York City to Water Library Thonglor in Bangkok. At Nakamura, one of those many one-starred restaurants, the kappo chef might serve up a seafood curry with saffron rice or shiso-leaf-wrapped grilled beef tongue. Or sit down at Kigawa, the seminal kappo spot, where many well-regarded chefs have trained. Here you might eat a delicately cooked piece of pork loin paired with oysters. Whatever it is, you’re eating a taste of Japan, one of the finest cuisines in the world. - David Farley
Dubai
(Image credit: expandsuccess.org/conferences/ICETS-Dubai-2014)
2015 is the year of luxury hotels for Dubai. Many prestigious brands are opening opulent properties in the area – including Versace and Paramount Studios. Hoteliers opening new luxury properties include Langham’s first resort in the Middle East and Starwood, slated to open a St. Regis, flagship W, and a new Westin complex next year. Marina 101, a residential and commercial building, will become the tallest hotel in the world and the second tallest building in Dubai, behind Burj Khalifa. The first 33 floors will be home to a 5-star Hard Rock Hotel while floors 34 to 100 will be residential and hotel apartments. The 101st floor will feature a club lounge, restaurant, and Hard Rock merchandise store. Dubai’s airport continues to climb the ranks as one of the best airports in the world, especially for those with long layovers. New flights are being added regularly, and if you’re looking at a trip that includes a layover in Dubai, check out Emirates’ interesting stopover packages. Emirates is offering a special 48-hour stopover package that includes a complimentary visa, hotel, transfers, and more. - Erin DeSantiago
----Other destinations----
1. I don't care, just so long as I have a place to sleep, a super-fast internet connection, plenty of food and drink, and the luxury of being left alone to read my manga and watch my anime! (A budget of $10,00 for ... expenses... like an unlimited Crunchyroll subscription would be included as compensation for the fact that this destination doesn't necessarily involve traveling except to the nearest luxury hotel).
2. I want to go all over Japan, China, Korea, and Singapore to search out copies of the most obscure - yet highest-quality - manga and those rare episodes of anime that haven't made it to my home country yet. Such travel arrangements would include cash for one to participate in shady otaku auctions and an experienced interpretor. Private jet is optional.
3. I just want to attend all of the comic-con's all over the world.
4. Are you kidding me? I'll just be lucky enough to get out of the house - I don't care where I go so long as I can enjoy my manga and anime in peace.
5. I'd rather spend the money on more hard drives and a faster internet connection.
6. Forget these exotic places, I'll end up travelling wherever my (girlfriend or boyfriend) tells me to travel.
7. Other (Respond explaining your desired vacation in the thread below).
8. I prefer numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5!
9. Number 8, but with everyone in Forgotten Scans traveling together as a group! Mega party in a private jet paid for by Kitty! (In your dreams....O.O)
WHICH ONE DO YOU WANT?
Hong Kong
Regarded as the gateway between East and West, Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities in the world. It offers local culture, world-class cuisine, and a variety of historical sites and natural landscapes worth exploring. Getting to Hong Kong will be even easier – and cheaper – from some destinations within Asia. Hong Kong’s low-cost carrier, HK Express, is slated to increase flights, including additional service on the newly launched Tokyo (Narita) – HKG route. Hong Kong’s culinary scene continues to be a trendsetter, with bars like Quinary earning a spot on Drinks International World’s 50 Best Bars, and the number of three Michelin-starred restaurants rising from four to five in 2014. This year, take in the views of Hong Kong from a new location. In December, Hong Kong welcomed the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Located near the Star Ferry pier on Hong Kong Island, this Ferris wheel offers some pretty spectacular views on the 20-minute ride. If you’re a Disney fan, 2015 is the year to visit Hong Kong Disneyland – September 12th marks the park’s 10th anniversary. Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to debut a new Disney Princess attraction maze and/or meet-and-greet area in conjunction with the 10th anniversary celebration. - Erin DeSantiago
Kerala, India
(Image credit: tourist-attraction-indiaa.blogspot.com/2013/04/incredible-tourist-place-in-kerala.html)
Celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and year-round pleasant weather, heavenly Kerala is worlds apart from the hustle and intensity common to more heavily touristy parts of India. This southern state is characterized by lush expanses of jungle, gorgeous stretches of cliff-lined shores, and a large network of peaceful lagoons that connect many of Kerala’s most charming towns. It’s also India’s prime spot for traditional Ayurvedic massages and health treatments, and Kerala’s variety of activities—which range from backwater cruises to traditional Kathakali dance performances to elephant festivals—make it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. It’s also an ideal spot for solo female travelers, and has the country’s highest female literacy rate. Best of all, India recently introduced tourist visas on arrival for citizens of over 40 countries, making it easier than ever to plan a visit. - Margot Bigg
Osaka, Japan
Japanese cuisine has finally been getting the attention it deserves. UNESCO has recently added Japanese cuisine to its cultural heritage list for things in the world that are precious enough they need protecting. And Michelin, that veritable, star-stamping restaurant guidebook, has bestowed enough stars on Japan to make it a culinary universe. In total, the country has 28 three-starred restaurants – that’s the most in the world (one more than France, in fact). And nowhere is Japanese cuisine more renowned than in the eating-focused city of Osaka. The recent Michelin guide granted the eastern Japanese metropolis a star to a whopping 76 restaurants – the most one-starred eateries in the guidebook. The city invented the type of restaurant called kappo – a diminutive spot with stools and a long counter bar with the chef cooking before everyone – which the culinary world has since adopted, from Atera in New York City to Water Library Thonglor in Bangkok. At Nakamura, one of those many one-starred restaurants, the kappo chef might serve up a seafood curry with saffron rice or shiso-leaf-wrapped grilled beef tongue. Or sit down at Kigawa, the seminal kappo spot, where many well-regarded chefs have trained. Here you might eat a delicately cooked piece of pork loin paired with oysters. Whatever it is, you’re eating a taste of Japan, one of the finest cuisines in the world. - David Farley
Dubai
(Image credit: expandsuccess.org/conferences/ICETS-Dubai-2014)
2015 is the year of luxury hotels for Dubai. Many prestigious brands are opening opulent properties in the area – including Versace and Paramount Studios. Hoteliers opening new luxury properties include Langham’s first resort in the Middle East and Starwood, slated to open a St. Regis, flagship W, and a new Westin complex next year. Marina 101, a residential and commercial building, will become the tallest hotel in the world and the second tallest building in Dubai, behind Burj Khalifa. The first 33 floors will be home to a 5-star Hard Rock Hotel while floors 34 to 100 will be residential and hotel apartments. The 101st floor will feature a club lounge, restaurant, and Hard Rock merchandise store. Dubai’s airport continues to climb the ranks as one of the best airports in the world, especially for those with long layovers. New flights are being added regularly, and if you’re looking at a trip that includes a layover in Dubai, check out Emirates’ interesting stopover packages. Emirates is offering a special 48-hour stopover package that includes a complimentary visa, hotel, transfers, and more. - Erin DeSantiago
----Other destinations----
1. I don't care, just so long as I have a place to sleep, a super-fast internet connection, plenty of food and drink, and the luxury of being left alone to read my manga and watch my anime! (A budget of $10,00 for ... expenses... like an unlimited Crunchyroll subscription would be included as compensation for the fact that this destination doesn't necessarily involve traveling except to the nearest luxury hotel).
2. I want to go all over Japan, China, Korea, and Singapore to search out copies of the most obscure - yet highest-quality - manga and those rare episodes of anime that haven't made it to my home country yet. Such travel arrangements would include cash for one to participate in shady otaku auctions and an experienced interpretor. Private jet is optional.
3. I just want to attend all of the comic-con's all over the world.
4. Are you kidding me? I'll just be lucky enough to get out of the house - I don't care where I go so long as I can enjoy my manga and anime in peace.
5. I'd rather spend the money on more hard drives and a faster internet connection.
6. Forget these exotic places, I'll end up travelling wherever my (girlfriend or boyfriend) tells me to travel.
7. Other (Respond explaining your desired vacation in the thread below).
8. I prefer numbers 1, 2, 3, and 5!
9. Number 8, but with everyone in Forgotten Scans traveling together as a group! Mega party in a private jet paid for by Kitty! (In your dreams....O.O)
WHICH ONE DO YOU WANT?